Liquid container and method of use

ABSTRACT

In a preferred embodiment, a liquid container ( 30, 200 ), including: a bottom ( 32, 230 ; a reservoir tube ( 34, 232 ) disposed in the bottom ( 32, 200 ); a capillary ( 38, 212 ) disposed in contact with the reservoir tube ( 34, 232 ); a middle portion ( 36, 210 ) disposed on the bottom ( 32, 200 ); and the capillary ( 38, 230 ) having an upper portion ( 62, 222 ) extending from an upper opening of the middle portion ( 36, 210 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to liquid containers generally and, moreparticularly, but not by way of limitation, to a novel liquid containerand method of use.

BACKGROUND ART

Liquid containers are available in a wide variety of configurations. Thepresent invention addresses two uses of liquid containers. One is theuse of a liquid container for sterilization, such as sterilizing thediaphragm and chestpiece and/or earpieces of a stethoscope, oracupuncture needles, or diabetes needles, for example. The other is theuse of liquid container for the application of a liquid cosmetic orother liquid material, such as nail polish remover, a cosmetic, or aninsect repellant, for example.

The manufacturers of stethoscopes recommend that stethoscopes bedisinfected often to prevent possible cross-contamination betweenpatients. Unfortunately, the means to disinfect stethoscopes are notreadily available to the user of the stethoscope and, as a result,stethoscopes often are not disinfected for fairly long periods of time,with the concomitant possibility of cross-contamination. Acupunctureneedles and diabetes needles are obviously in need of sterilizationbetween uses, particularly if a different person is to use the needles.

Liquid cosmetics are often applied by shaking a small quantity from acontainer with a narrow opening or by spraying from a container. Ineither case, such application is relatively messy and can waste theliquid. The same is true of other liquid materials.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention toprovide liquid container for a disinfectant, such as alcohol, or toprovide a container for another type of liquid material, such as acosmetic, that is easy to use.

It is a further object of the invention to provide such a liquidcontainer and method of use that is economical.

It is an additional object of the invention to provide such a liquidcontainer that can be economically manufactured.

It is another object of the invention to provide such a liquid containerthat can be conveniently mounted.

It is yet a further object of the invention to provide such a liquidcontainer that can be unobtrusively mounted on a stethoscope.

It is yet an additional object of the invention to provide such a liquidcontainer and method of use that conserve the contents of the liquidcontainer.

Other objects of the present invention, as well as particular features,elements, and advantages thereof, will be elucidated in, or be apparentfrom, the following description and the accompanying drawing figures.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The present invention achieves the above objects, among others, byproviding, in a preferred embodiment, a liquid container, comprising: ahousing; a reservoir tube disposed in said housing; a capillary disposedin contact with said reservoir tube; a cap disposed on said housing; andsaid capillary having an upper portion extending from an upper openingof said cap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Understanding of the present invention and the various aspects thereofwill be facilitated by reference to the accompanying drawing figures,provided for purposes of illustration only and not intended to definethe scope of the invention, on which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded, rear elevational view of a liquid containerconstructed according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded, isometric view of the liquid container, with thecap separated from the other elements of the liquid container.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the bottom of the liquidcontainer.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the bottom of the liquid container.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the bottom of the liquid container.

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the reservoir tube of the liquidcontainer.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the reservoir tube of the liquidcontainer.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the reservoir tube of the liquidcontainer.

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the capillary of the liquidcontainer.

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the capillary of the liquidcontainer.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the capillary of the liquid container.

FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of the top of the liquid container.

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the top of the liquid container.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the top of the liquid container.

FIG. 15 is a rear elevational view of the cap of the liquid container.

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the cap of the liquid container.

FIG. 17 is an isometric view of the cap of the liquid container.

FIG. 18 is a front elevational view of a mounting yoke/clamp with aliquid container mounted thereon.

FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of a mounting yoke/clamp with aliquid container mounted thereon.

FIG. 20 is a rear elevational view of a mounting yoke/clamp with aliquid container mounted thereon.

FIG. 21 is a fragmentary, front elevational view of the liquid containermounted on a stethoscope using a mounting yoke/clamp.

FIG. 22 is an isometric view of a tube used with a mounting yoke/clamp.

FIG. 23 is an isometric, cutaway view of the bottom of the liquidcontainer.

FIG. 24 is an exploded, rear elevational view of a liquid containerconstructed according to another embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Reference should now be made to the drawing figures on which similar oridentical elements are given consistent identifying numerals throughoutthe various figures thereof, and on which parenthetical references tofigure numbers, when used, direct the reader to the view(s) on which theelement(s) being described is (are) best seen, although the element(s)may be seen on other figures also.

FIG. 1 illustrates liquid container 30 that includes a bottom 32, areservoir tube 34, a cap 36, a capillary 38, and a top 40. It will beunderstood that the foregoing elements of liquid container 30 arefrictionally interfitting. Reservoir tube 34 fits into bottom 32. Anannular flange 50 formed around the lower end of cap 36 also fits intobottom 32 and is held securely in such position by means of a horizontalledge 52 which fits into a corresponding horizontal groove formed in thebottom (not shown on FIG. 1). Capillary 38 is inserted into the top ofcap 36 and frictionally held therein, the lower end 60 of capillary 38is plunged into reservoir tube 34, and the upper end 62 of the capillaryprotrudes from the upper end of the cap. Top 40 includes an optionalmounting bracket or clip 70 and the top removably fits over cap 36 andis frictionally held thereon.

FIG. 2 illustrates all elements of liquid container assembled, exceptfor top 40 which is shown separated from cap 36. Visible on FIG. 2 aretwo of the horizontal flanges 80 formed at the lower end of top 40 togrippingly, but removably, hold the top on cap 36.

FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 are various views of bottom 32. On FIG. 5 is visiblehorizontal groove 90 into which fits horizontal ledge 52 (FIG. 1).

FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 are various views of reservoir tube 34.

FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 are various views of capillary 38.

FIGS. 12, 13, and 14 are various views of cap 36.

FIGS. 15, 16, and 17 are various views of top 40.

FIGS. 18, 19, and 20 are various views of a mounting yoke/clamp 100designed to hold liquid container on a stethoscope (not shown on FIGS.18, 19, or 20), with the liquid container mounted thereon by means ofthe insertion of mounting bracket 70 into a horizontal slot 102 definedthrough the mounting yoke/clamp 100. Two lower arms 110 and 112,extending from the body of mounting yoke/clamp 100, are to be bentaround the lower tube of a stethoscope and two upper arms 114 and 116,extending from the body of the mounting yoke/clamp, are serrated, are tobe bent around the upper tubes of the stethoscope, and are held in thatposition by means of the gripping insertion of the upper arms in slots118 and 120 defined in mounting yoke/clamp 100.

FIG. 21 illustrates liquid container 30 mounted on a stethoscope, thestethoscope having two upper tubes 130 and 132 and a lower tube 134.Also illustrated on FIG. 21 is a nameplate that may be provided onmounting yoke/clamp 100.

FIG. 22 illustrates a hollow tube 150 into the ends of which lower arms110 and 112 (FIG. 18) may be inserted to hold the lower arms thereinaround lower tube 134 (FIG. 21) of the stethoscope.

FIG. 23 illustrates bottom 32 and shows that it includes an internalvertical sloped wall 160. A similar sloped wall (not shown) is providedon the opposite side of bottom 32, the sloped walls being provided toguide reservoir tube 34 (FIG. 1) in place. Reservoir tube 34 extendsbetween opposite walls 170 and 172 of bottom 32.

FIG. 24 illustrates a somewhat simplified version of liquid container 30(FIG. 1), here, a liquid container generally indicated by the referencenumeral 200. Cap 36 (FIG. 1) has been lengthened to what may be called amidsection 210 into the bottom of which is inserted a capillary 212. Anoffset 220 fixedly disposed near the upper end of capillary 212 locatesthe capillary in midsection 210, with outer edges of the offset engaginginner surfaces of the midsection, and with the top 222 of the capillaryextending from the top of midsection 210. Offset 220 prevents capillary212 from exiting the top of midsection 210. A greatly shortened bottom230 holding a vertical reservoir 232 snaps onto midsection 210. Themeans of such attachment may be similar to the horizontal ledge 52(FIG. 1) and the horizontal groove 90 (FIG. 5) of liquid container 30.Capillary 212 is thrust into reservoir 232. Top 240 is the same as top40 (FIG. 1).

In use, liquid container 30 (FIG. 1) may be mounted to a stethoscope(FIG. 21) using mounting bracket 70 and mounting yoke/clamp 100 or itmay be mounted on another object using suitable mounting means. Whenliquid container 30 is used to dispense a liquid cosmetic or othermaterial, the mounting means may be omitted. For example, reservoir tube34 (FIG. 1) may be filled with a disinfectant, such as alcohol, or aliquid cosmetic, or a nail polish remover, or a liquid used inacupuncture, or a liquid used in controlling diabetes, or an insectrepellant, as examples of the wide variety of liquids that may be placedin the reservoir tube, depending on final use, and the other elements ofliquid container 30 then assembled. When liquid container 30 is to beused, top 40 and cap 36 are separated (FIG. 2), thus exposing top 62 ofcapillary 60 (FIG. 1). Top 62 of capillary 60 may then be used tosterilize the diaphragm and chestpiece and/or the earpieces of astethoscope, if reservoir tube 34 (FIG. 1) is filled with alcohol, orused to apply a liquid cosmetic or one of the other materials notedabove, to one or more body parts, depending on with what the reservoirtube is filled. Top 40 and cap 36 are then reassembled. Liquid container200 (FIG. 24) may be similarly mounted and/or used.

Bottom 32, cap 36, and top 40 of liquid container 30 (FIG. 1) and bottom230, midsection 210, and top 240 of liquid container 200 may be formedof any suitable thermoplastic material. Reservoir tubes 34 (FIG. 1) and232 (FIG. 24) may be formed of a clear extruded plastic filled with aporous acetate material that is saturated with a disinfectant, such asalcohol, or a liquid cosmetic, or other liquid material. Capillaries 38(FIG. 1) and 212 (FIG. 24) may be formed of a porous high densitypolyethylene material. Mounting yoke/clamp 100 (FIG. 18) may be formedof neoprene. Tube 150 (FIG. 22) may be formed of a foamed plasticmaterial. Other materials compatible with the liquid(s) to be placed inreservoir tubes 34 and 232 may be employed as well.

In the embodiments of the present invention described above, it will berecognized that individual elements and/or features thereof are notnecessarily limited to a particular embodiment but, where applicable,are interchangeable and can be used in any selected embodiment eventhough such may not be specifically shown.

Terms such as “above”, “below”, “upper”, “lower”, “inner”, “outer”,“inwardly”, “outwardly”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and the like, whenused herein, refer to the positions of the respective elements shown onthe accompanying drawing figures and the present invention is notnecessarily limited to such positions.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among thoseelucidated in, or made apparent from, the preceding description, areefficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the aboveconstruction and method without departing from the scope of theinvention, it is intended that all matter contained in the abovedescription or shown on the accompanying drawing figures shall beinterpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended tocover all of the generic and specific features of the invention hereindescribed and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as amatter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

1. A liquid container, comprising: (a) a bottom; (b) a reservoir tubedisposed in said bottom; (c) a capillary disposed in contact with saidreservoir tube; (d) a middle portion disposed on said bottom; and (e)said capillary having an upper portion extending from an upper openingof said middle portion.
 2. A liquid container, as defined in claim 1,further comprising: a top removably disposed on said middle portion andsealing in said top said upper portion of said capillary.
 3. A liquidcontainer, as defined in claim 1, wherein: said middle portion fits intosaid bottom and is held therein by means of a horizontal ledge formed onsaid middle portion that fits into a corresponding horizontal groovedefined in said bottom.
 4. A liquid container, as defined in claim 2,wherein: said top is removably held on said middle portion by means ofat least one flange formed on said top, said at least one flangegrippingly engaging said middle portion.
 5. A liquid container, asdefined in claim 2, further comprising: a mounting clip fixedly disposedon said top.
 6. A liquid container, as defined in claim 5, wherein: saidmounting clip is adapted to hold said container on a stethoscope.
 7. Aliquid container, as defined in claim 6, wherein: said mounting clipincludes: (a) two upper arms adapted to be bent around upper tubes ofsaid stethoscope; and (b) two lower arms adapted to be bent around alower tube of said stethoscope.
 8. A liquid container, as defined inclaim 1, wherein: said reservoir tube is formed of a clear plasticmaterial filled with a porous acetate material.
 9. A liquid container,as defined in claim 1, wherein: said capillary is formed of a poroushigh density polyethylene material.
 10. A liquid container, as definedin claim 5, wherein: said mounting clip is formed of neoprene.
 11. Aliquid container, as defined in claim 7, further comprising: a hollowtube into the ends of which said lower arms can be inserted after theyare bent around a lower tube of said stethoscope.
 12. A liquidcontainer, as defined in claim 11, wherein: said hollow tube is formedof a foamed plastic material.
 13. A liquid container, as defined inclaim 1, wherein: said bottom includes two vertical, oppositely disposedwalls sloping from an upper point near a top of said bottom where theyhave no width to a lower point near a bottom of said bottom to guidesaid reservoir tube in place.
 14. A liquid container, as defined inclaim 13, wherein: said reservoir tube is partially held in place bytwo, oppositely disposed vertical walls of said bottom.
 15. A liquidcontainer, as defined in claim 1, wherein: said capillary has ahorizontal offset formed near an upper end thereof to locate saidcapillary in said middle portion.
 16. A method using a liquid container,comprising: (a) providing a bottom; (b) providing a reservoir tubedisposed in said bottom; (c) providing a capillary disposed in contactwith said reservoir tube; (d) providing a middle portion disposed onsaid bottom; and (e) providing said capillary having an upper portionextending from an upper opening of said middle portion.
 17. A method ofusing a liquid container, as defined in claim 16, further comprising:providing a top removably disposed on said middle portion and sealing insaid top said upper portion of said capillary.
 18. A method of using aliquid container, as defined in claim 16, further comprising: providingsaid middle portion fitting into said bottom and holding it therein bymeans of a horizontal ledge formed on said middle portion that fits intoa corresponding horizontal groove defined in said bottom.
 19. A methodof using a liquid container, as defined in claim 17, further comprising:providing said top removably held on said middle portion by means of atleast one flange formed on said top, said at least one flange grippinglyengaging said middle portion.
 20. A method of using a liquid container,as defined in claim 17, further comprising: providing a mounting clipfixedly disposed on said top.
 21. A method of using a liquid container,as defined in claim 21, wherein: providing said mounting clip adapted tohold said container on a stethoscope.
 22. A method of using a liquidcontainer, as defined in claim 22, further comprising: providing saidmounting clip including: (a) two upper arms adapted to be bent aroundupper tubes of said stethoscope; and (b) two lower arms adapted to bebent around a lower tube of said stethoscope.
 23. A method of using aliquid container, as defined in claim 16, further comprising: providingsaid reservoir tube formed of a clear plastic material filled with aporous acetate material.
 24. A method of using a liquid container, asdefined in claim 16, further comprising: providing said capillary formedof a porous high density polyethylene material.
 25. A method of using aliquid container, as defined in claim 21, further comprising: providingsaid mounting clip formed of neoprene.
 26. A method of using a liquidcontainer, as defined in claim 23, further comprising: providing ahollow tube into the ends of which said lower arms can be inserted afterthey are bent around a lower tube of said stethoscope.
 27. A method ofusing a liquid container, as defined in claim 27, further comprising:providing said hollow tube formed of a foamed plastic material.
 29. Amethod of using a liquid container, as defined in claim 16, furthercomprising: providing said bottom including two vertical, oppositelydisposed walls sloping from an upper point near a top of said bottomwhere they have no width to a lower point near a bottom of said bottomto guide said reservoir tube in place.
 30. A method of using a liquidcontainer, as defined in claim 29, further comprising: providing saidreservoir tube partially held in place by two, oppositely disposedvertical walls of said bottom.
 31. A method of using a liquid container,as defined in claim 16, further comprising: providing said capillaryhaving a horizontal offset formed near an upper end thereof to locatesaid capillary in said middle portion.